The Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) would like to express our support of those in the meetings industry in Wuhan and across the globe who are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

In South Africa, the Department of Health, continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving developments surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak. The World Health Organisation(WHO) provides them with daily situational updates and continues to inform them should there be revisions in guidelines, we in turn are in constant contact with the relevant authorities and will ensure that we keep all of our exhibitors and partners informed of any risks or safety concerns should they arise.

We can also confirm that the South African border control in conjunction with the SA Department of Health have intensified screening at all ports of entry into South Africa with a particular focus on our major airports of entry. This approach remains supported as the vast majority of cases are introduced into territories outside of China by air travellers. Additional staff have been deployed and have authorities have sought the assistance of medical staff from the National Defence Force to thoroughly intensify screening where additional capacity is needed.

The wellbeing of all those that support any of AAXO members’ or any exhibition taking place in South Africa and its surrounding countries, is a priority and of paramount importance. AAXO and its members are committed to ensure that all reasonable steps to promote and maintain safe and healthy conditions are in place.